And the media would turn up the heat X100 if not 1000!
I think Pence would have a far better shot at unified action. At actually creating a working coalition. He is respected by the Tea Party (even though everyone realizes he needs a backbone), and the moderates will work with him... And he didn't spend a year and a half pissing off absolutely everyone.
And his impeccable character, long record, and mundane lifestyle would leave the press with little traction.
If there is a way forward that will really get things done, it is probably more though Pence than Trump.